Ireland and Celtic star Aiden McGeady is reportedly a transfer target of Tottenham Hotspur.

McGeady, who has been in dynamic form for Celtic this season, reported for duty with the Republic of Ireland squad today as manager Stephen Staunton assembled his squad for the upcoming UEFA Championship games against Cyprus and the Czech Republic.

Meantime it was reported that ’Spurs manager manager Martin Jol had received the backing of his board for a bid to persuade Celtic part with their flying winger.

’Spurs have been without a recognised left-winger since they transferred Andy Reid to Charlton Athletic at the start of this season. They failed in a bid to secure Damien Duff when he moved from Chelsea to Newcastle United.

McGeady, who is 20, has blossomed this season under manager Gordon Strachan. His form has been so consistently good that he has kept Shaun Moloney and Derek Riordan out of the Celtic side.

He illustrated his value to Celtic again at the week-end when he scored the only goal of the game against Falkirk.

McGeady played for Scotland schools and at U15 level but he switched to Ireland and played for all the under-age international teams from U17 upwards.

He won his first full International cap for Ireland in a friendly against Jamaica on June 2, 2004, in a 1-0 victory. He has yet to score for Ireland after six appearances.

He was born in Glasgow to Scottish parents and qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents on his father’s side, both of whom came from Gweedore in County Donegal.

McGeady credits the encouragement of his club manager, Strachan, for his improved form this season – “The manager always wants me to work hard and be aware of things” he said.

“I didn’t know what defence was until he taught me about tracking back and heading but it is all a learning experience and I feel better for it. He has improved me as a player.”

There is no doubt in the opinions of McGeady’s colleagues at Celtic and with Ireland that he has the ability to go on and become a major player.

Said his Celtic colleague, Neil Lennon: “Aiden has probably been Celtic’s best player so far this season and Ireland need to make sure they reap the benefits from his great run of form.”

Meanwhile there was disappointment amongst Ireland’s squad at the news of the sudden death of midfielder Alan Quinn’s mother.

Quinn was called up by manager Stephen Staunton over the week-end to strengthen a squad affected by the withdrawals of midfielders Graham Kavanagh (Sunderland), Steven Reid (Blackburn Rovers) and Andy Reid (Charlton Athletic).

Republic of Ireland team manager Stephen Staunton, the players, the backroom team and all the staff sent their condolences to the Sheffield United player when news of his personal tragedy was received in Dublin.

Latest News